Scrivener joins Rob Moffat’s backroom team, which also includes Tom Smith, who was named forwards coach last month.

Scrivener has spent the last eight years with Super 14 side Brumbies and helped launch and manage their original academy.

He has also coached the Australia Under-21 team and was in charge of Canberra Vikings in the Australian Rugby Championship.

Moffat said: “Nick will bring lots of experience and a fresh perspective to Scottish rugby. It is also an exciting time at Edinburgh Rugby Club.

“His primary role will be to deal with defence, but his remit will expand to other areas as well. It was important to find the right man for the job and I feel we have achieved that with the appointment of Nick.”

Chief executive Nic Cartwright added: “I was really impressed with Nick’s enthusiasm, professionalism and huge level of experience of coaching top-level rugby.

“His skill set will complement an already richly talented coaching team headed up by Rob Moffat and I’m confident now we have all the required tools to take Edinburgh onto the next level in our development.”